Even if they don’t take their rigs to the max, he noted that best-in-class numbers are important. “We spend some time and effort trying to deliver those,” Johnson said.

Best-in-Class Numbers

And for the 2016 model year, Ram 3500 customers have bragging rights. This hard-working truck’s 6.7-liter Cummins diesel puts out a chart-topping 900 lb-ft of torque, which the company claims is the most that’s ever been offered in a mass-produced vehicle. Peak horsepower rates at 385, which is down slightly compared the Ford F-350 and Chevy Silverado 3500. They offer 440 and 397 ponies, respectively.

Of course, the pickup market is as competitive as it’s ever been, with each of the Detroit Big Three building stellar trucks. Johnson admitted that “we know the other guys aren’t going to stand still,” so Ram’s best-in-class torque crown could be short lived.

But for the time being, all of that twist means these vehicles can tow more weight and haul heavier loads than the other guys. For the upcoming model year, 3500 variants are rated to drag up to 31,210 pounds, a figure that’s compliant with the SAE J2807 standard. Payload capacity tops the charts as well, measuring 7,390 pounds.

For decades now, Cummins’ compression-ignition inline-six has been a favorite of truckers across America, though Power Stroke and Duramax enthusiasts will beg to differ. Part of the reason for its enduring popularity has to do with its strength.

“There’s only one engine in this space that’s a true medium-duty engine,” Garrett says. This inline-six’s roots reach deep, all the way to the class-eight segment, he said.

Providing the strength these big rigs need is iron and lots of it. The Cummins’ block and cylinder head are cast of ferrous metal, no lightweight aluminum here. Garrett said these components are “renowned for durability.”

The Cummins diesel is a popular option in Ram trucks. In fact, Johnson said about 60 percent of 2500 models are sold with this engine, which in model-year 2015 costs an additional $8,305 plus an extra $600 for either a manual or automatic transmission. For 2015 the more powerful Ram 3500 (385 hp and 865 lb-ft), cost an additional $2,995 when equipped with the Aisin six-speed automatic transmission. That transmission comes standard on the 2016’s 900 lb-ft package, though official pricing has yet to be released.

Stepping up to the 3500 model, Johnson said an overwhelming 97 percent of them feature the diesel engine. To date, he noted that more than 2 million Cummins-powered Rams have been sold. He cited “long-term durability and [a strong] reputation” as reasons for its success.

History Lesson

Cummins and Chrysler have been partnered for more than 25 years. Garrett said when this engine was initially designed in the early 1980s, it was built to commercial standards, which is probably a big part of its enduring appeal. It first landed on the market for model year 1989 displacing 5.9-liters.

Compared to the latest iteration, its output numbers were almost laughable. It delivered a paltry 160 horses and just 400 lb-ft of torque. However, at that time, like it is today, Garrett said, “Four-hundred foot-pounds was best-in-class.”

The five-nine stuck around until 2007 when Cummins hogged out the cylinder bores and lengthened its stroke, upping displacement to the current 6.7-liters.

This diesel has been on the market in one form or another for quite a while. Is it time for a fresh design? “We know this engine really well,” Garrett said. “If Ram wants more, I’m sure we’ll figure out how to give it to them,” probably by swapping out a few zeros and ones, just like they did for the 2016 model year.

Things are super competitive in the heavy-duty truck segment today. Acknowledging this, Garrett said, “[They’re] all pretty good products,” but the Cummins engine is unique. He said, the biggest difference is “[the] physical size of components.” He said they’re bigger and heavier than the parts used in competing Ford and GM diesels.

Correction: We updated this story to indicate the prices listed are for 2015 model year Ram HD trucks.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/07/how-the-ram-3500-makes-900-lb-ft-of-torque.html/feed40more]]>AutoGuide 2015 Heavy Duty Truck Comparisonhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/2015-heavy-duty-truck-comparison.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/2015-heavy-duty-truck-comparison.html#commentsFri, 10 Oct 2014 19:46:54 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=259246AutoGuide 2015 Heavy Duty Truck ComparisonAutomakers love to play the numbers game, especially when it comes to big trucks. A recent spat between Ram and Ford saw both companies claiming the “best-in-class” towing title for their respective heavy duty pickups like kids in a sandbox arguing over who has the better castle. Sure, specifications are important, but they only tell... more]]>

Automakers love to play the numbers game, especially when it comes to big trucks. A recent spat between Ram and Ford saw both companies claiming the “best-in-class” towing title for their respective heavy duty pickups like kids in a sandbox arguing over who has the better castle.

Sure, specifications are important, but they only tell a part of the story. And in the case of heavy-duty trucks, they only tell a fraction of the story. The common thought is higher numbers equal better performance, but the key and really the most important consideration to any heavy hauler is what it actually feels like when you’re towing. There is nothing worse than 20,000 pounds – or more – of steel rolling down the road feeling like it’s out of control.

In partnership with the Canadian Truck King Challenge, we tested each of the big three HD pickup trucks for 2015. To be clear, it wasn’t an empty parking lot test that consisted of deciding which truck has the best cup holders. We loaded roughly 4,000 lbs of shingles into the bed of each truck the first day, while the second day consisted of pulling 15,000-pound fifth wheels and a full day of driving. We also had fuel economy loggers hooked into the ODB II port for the entirety of the testing to see exactly how much diesel it takes to get the job done.

But the real fun took place at the drag strip. Yes, you read that right: drag strip! We sent each of these trucks down the drag strip, trailers in tow, to get the real story on acceleration. And the results may surprise you, so read on to see how each truck fared.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/2015-heavy-duty-truck-comparison.html/feed48more]]>Chevy Super Bowl Commercial Drips With Sex Appeal For Cowshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/01/chevy-super-bowl-commercial-drips-sex-appeal-cows.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/01/chevy-super-bowl-commercial-drips-sex-appeal-cows.html#commentsWed, 29 Jan 2014 15:31:26 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=231758Chevy Super Bowl Commercial Drips With Sex Appeal… For CowsThis year, Chevrolet’s Super Bowl commercial is promoting its heavy-duty trucks and, of course, manliness. It’s called “Romance” and it features a man, a bull and a big pickup truck. The guy buys a new bull and carries it away in a trailer before pulling up to a crowd of cows and releasing the story’s... more]]>

It’s called “Romance” and it features a man, a bull and a big pickup truck. The guy buys a new bull and carries it away in a trailer before pulling up to a crowd of cows and releasing the story’s hero.

Anyway, the bull licks his lips and so do the gals he’s eyeing. The whole thing is set to the song “Hot Chocolate” and you hear an innuendo-laden “moo” at the end.

So popular, in fact, that Ford installed its 500,000th in a 2014 Super Duty F-350 Lariat on Tuesday. Perhaps more impressively, the company has only offered the powerplant since 2011. It offers 400 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque from 2,800 rpm and 1,600 rpm respectively.

Like any engine used in a heavy-duty pickup truck, it’s built to haul large loads. The F-450 is rated to tow up to 24,700 lbs or up to 26,600 for the F-550 chassis cab. Heavy-duty pickup trucks are important to both Ford and Chevrolet for a variety of reasons. Ford and Chevrolet are locked in a battle as the top two heavy-duty truck makers while Ram trails with a smaller market share.

People who buy those trucks typically keep them for a long time and place the ability to tow above all else. Unlike the half-ton segment, the majority of HDs sold use diesel engines. Transaction prices are also typically higher on heavy-duty trucks than half-tons. Perhaps most importantly, they fall under a different EPA classification than half-tons do and aren’t hampered by the same tightening CAFE standards.

The State Fair of Texas takes place later this week; typically a time when the Detroit 3 make major truck announcements. General Motors is expected to unveil its new heavy duty trucks at the event, and Ford has already teased an announcement as well.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/09/ford-installs-500000th-6-7l-powerstroke-diesel.html/feed0more]]>Ford Adds Alternative Fuel Option to Super Dutyhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/06/ford-adds-alternative-fuel-option-to-super-duty.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/06/ford-adds-alternative-fuel-option-to-super-duty.html#commentsMon, 14 Jun 2010 20:27:59 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=23216Ford Adds Alternative Fuel Option to Super DutyAt the annual Ford Fleet Product and Business Conference on June 7, the company presented the details of its new fuel conversion option, which will be available on F-450 and F-550 truck powered by the 6.8-liter V10 engine. more]]>

Given that it’s long been the preferred supplier of vehicles to taxi fleets, Ford has offered a Compressed Natural Gas option on its Crown Victoria for years. More recently, it has expanded the availability of CNG and LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) options to its larger commercial vehicles, namely the E-Series vans (of which it has already shipped some 3000 conversions) Transit Connect and most recently, the F-450 and F-550 Super Duty chassis cab trucks.

At the annual Ford Fleet Product and Business Conference on June 7, the company presented the details of its new fuel conversion option, which will be available on F-450 and F-550 trucks powered by the 6.8-liter V10 engine. Making the CNG/LPG option easier is the fact that the V10 already comes with hardened exhaust valves and seats that can withstand gaseous fuels.

Because around 97 percent of natural gas is domestically produced in the United States and there are available government tax credits for commercial fleet operators that convert their vehicles to run on alternative fuels, the F-450/550 gas conversion is likely to prove very popular.

Ford will provide calibration guidance to recommended CNG/LPG conversion specialists for the Super Duty chassis cabs, much in the same manner that programs are in place for the E-Series and small Transit Connect. By adhering to the guidelines and bulletins issued by Ford, the converted trucks will be able to maintain their full factory warranties.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/06/ford-adds-alternative-fuel-option-to-super-duty.html/feed0more]]>GMC Expands Denali Heavy-Duty to Include 1-Ton Truckshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/05/gmc-expands-denali-heavy-duty-to-include-1-ton-trucks.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/05/gmc-expands-denali-heavy-duty-to-include-1-ton-trucks.html#commentsThu, 13 May 2010 16:14:53 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=19848GMC Expands Denali Heavy-Duty to Include 1-Ton TrucksAccording to GMC product marketing director Lisa Hutchinson; "we received such an overwhelming response to the new Sierra Denali 2500HD, that we worked quickly and decided to extend the model into the 3500HD series.” more]]>

There was once a time when pickups were essentially utilitarian vehicles. However, during the 1980s and 1990s, half-ton full-size rigs became increasingly laden with creature comforts, leather bucket seats, center consoles, power everything and serious in car entertainment. Now the concept of luxury truck is expanding upmarket, with General Motors recently launching a luxury GMCDenali as part of the Sierra Heavy-Duty line from 2011.

Now GMC has announced that the Denali HD will be available in both 3/4 (2500) and 1-ton (3500) versions. Both 2WD and 4WD drivelines will be offered with a choice of regular (6 foot, 6-inch) and long (8-foot) boxes, plus the option of single or dual rear wheels on 3500 models. Exterior colors will be limited to Black, Stealth Gray and White, though 17, 18 and 20-inch wheels will be offered.

Standard engine in the HD Denali is GM’s 6.0-liter V8, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, the updated 6.6-liter Duramax diesel, rated at 397-hp and a staggering 765 lb-ft of torque will be optional. Like the rest of the Sierra Heavy-Duty line, the Denali trucks will be covered by GM’s 100,000-mile, five-year powertrain warranty.

According to GMC product marketing director Lisa Hutchinson; “we received such an overwhelming response to the new Sierra Denali 2500HD, that we worked quickly and decided to extend the model into the 3500HD series so those GMC buyers can also benefit from blending capability with premium features and styling.” No word yet on whether four-wheel steering will be offered.